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Aluksanasuwan S, Somsuan K, Chiangjong W, Rongjumnong A, Jaidee W, Rujanapun N, Chutipongtanate S, Laphookhieo S, Charoensup R. SWATH-proteomics reveals Mathurameha, a traditional anti-diabetic herbal formula, attenuates high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction through the EGF/NO/IL-1β regulatory axis. J Proteomics 2024; 306:105263. [PMID: 39047940 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Mathurameha is a traditional Thai herbal formula with a clinically proven effect of blood sugar reduction in patients with diabetes mellitus, but its anti-diabetic complication potential is largely unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of Mathurameha and its underlying mechanisms against high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction in human endothelial EA.hy926 cells. After confirming no cytotoxic effects, the cells were treated with normal glucose (NG), high glucose (HG), or high glucose plus Mathurameha (HG + M) for 24 h. A quantitative label-free proteomic analysis using the sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH-MS) approach identified 24 differentially altered proteins among the three groups: 7 between HG and NG, 9 between HG + M and NG, and 13 between HG + M and HG. Bioinformatic analyses suggested a potential anti-diabetic action through the epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathway. Subsequent functional validations demonstrated that Mathurameha reduced the EGF secretion and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in high glucose-treated cells. Mathurameha also exhibited a stimulatory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production while significantly reducing the secretion of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in high glucose-treated cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that Mathurameha attenuated high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction through the EGF/NO/IL-1β regulatory axis. SIGNIFICANCE: This study reveals the potential of Mathurameha, a traditional Thai herbal formula, in mitigating high glucose-induced endothelial dysfunction, a common complication in diabetes mellitus. Using proteomics and bioinformatic analyses followed by functional validations, the present study highlights the protective effects of Mathurameha through the EGF/NO/IL-1β regulatory axis. These findings support its potential use as a therapeutic intervention for diabetic vascular complications and provide valuable information for developing more effective anti-diabetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siripat Aluksanasuwan
- School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; Cancer and Immunology Research Unit (CIRU), Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand.
| | - Keerakarn Somsuan
- School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; Cancer and Immunology Research Unit (CIRU), Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Wararat Chiangjong
- Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Artitaya Rongjumnong
- Cancer and Immunology Research Unit (CIRU), Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Wuttichai Jaidee
- Medicinal Plants Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Narawadee Rujanapun
- Medicinal Plants Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Surat Laphookhieo
- Medicinal Plants Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; Center of Chemical Innovation for Sustainability (CIS), School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Rawiwan Charoensup
- Medicinal Plants Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand.
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Tawengi M, Al-Dali Y, Tawengi A, Benter IF, Akhtar S. Targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ErbB) for the potential treatment of renal pathologies. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1394997. [PMID: 39234105 PMCID: PMC11373609 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1394997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is referred to as ErbB1/HER1, is the prototype of the EGFR family of receptor tyrosine kinases which also comprises ErbB2 (Neu, HER2), ErbB3 (HER3), and ErbB4 (HER4). EGFR, along with other ErbBs, is expressed in the kidney tubules and is physiologically involved in nephrogenesis and tissue repair, mainly following acute kidney injury. However, its sustained activation is linked to several kidney pathologies, including diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, chronic kidney disease, and renal fibrosis. This review aims to provide a summary of the recent findings regarding the consequences of EGFR activation in several key renal pathologies. We also discuss the potential interplay between EGFR and the reno-protective angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7), a heptapeptide member of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that counter-regulates the actions of angiotensin II. Ang-(1-7)-mediated inhibition of EGFR transactivation might represent a potential mechanism of action for its renoprotection. Our review suggests that there is a significant body of evidence supporting the potential inhibition of EGFR/ErbB, and/or administration of Ang-(1-7), as potential novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of renal pathologies. Thus, EGFR inhibitors such as Gefitinib and Erlinotib that have an acceptable safety profile and have been clinically used in cancer chemotherapy since their FDA approval in the early 2000s, might be considered for repurposing in the treatment of renal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Tawengi
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Yazan Al-Dali
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ibrahim F Benter
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Final International University, Kyrenia, Cyprus
| | - Saghir Akhtar
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Lee SH, Ok SH, Park KE, Bae SI, Hwang Y, Ahn SH, Sim G, Bae M, Sohn JT. Epidermal growth factor receptor phosphorylation contributes to levobupivacaine-induced contraction in isolated rat aorta. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 967:176389. [PMID: 38311282 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Vasoconstriction induced by levobupivacaine, a local anesthetic, is mediated by increased levels of calcium, tyrosine kinase, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and phospholipase D, which are associated with prolonged local anesthesia. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation is associated with vasoconstriction. However, its role in levobupivacaine-induced contractions remains unknown. We determined whether EGFR phosphorylation is associated with levobupivacaine-induced contractions in isolated rat thoracic aortas and identified the underlying cellular signaling pathways. The effects of various inhibitors and a calcium-free solution alone or in combination on levobupivacaine-induced contractions were then assessed. Furthermore, we examined the effects of various inhibitors on levobupivacaine-induced EGFR and JNK phosphorylation and calcium levels in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of rat aortas. The EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor GM6001, Src kinase inhibitors PP1 and PP2, and JNK inhibitor SP600125 attenuated levobupivacaine-induced contractions. Moreover, although the calcium-free solution abolished levobupivacaine-induced contractions, calcium reversed this inhibitory effect. The magnitude of the calcium-mediated reversal of abolished levobupivacaine-induced contractions was lower in the combination treatment with calcium-free solution and AG1478 than in the treatment with calcium-free solution alone. Levobupivacaine induced EGFR and JNK phosphorylation. However, AG1478, GM6001, and PP2 attenuated levobupivacaine-induced EGFR and JNK phosphorylation. Moreover, although levobupivacaine induced JNK phosphorylation in control siRNA-transfected VSMCs, EGFR siRNA inhibited levobupivacaine-induced JNK phosphorylation. Furthermore, AG1478 inhibited levobupivacaine-induced calcium increases in VSMCs. Collectively, these findings suggest that levobupivacaine-induced EGFR phosphorylation, which may occur via the Src kinase-MMP pathway, contributes to vasoconstriction via JNK phosphorylation and increased calcium levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Hee Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea; Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Ho Ok
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea; Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong-Eon Park
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beon-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Il Bae
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beon-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeran Hwang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beon-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Ahn
- Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beon-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyujin Sim
- Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beon-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Moonju Bae
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beon-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Tae Sohn
- Institute of Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, 15 Jinju-daero 816 Beon-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52727, Republic of Korea.
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Dubourg V, Schwerdt G, Schreier B, Kopf M, Mildenberger S, Benndorf RA, Gekle M. EGFR activation differentially affects the inflammatory profiles of female human aortic and coronary artery endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22827. [PMID: 38129563 PMCID: PMC10739936 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50148-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (EC) are key players in vascular function, homeostasis and inflammation. EC show substantial heterogeneity due to inter-individual variability (e.g. sex-differences) and intra-individual differences as they originate from different organs or vessels. This variability may lead to different responsiveness to external stimuli. Here we compared the responsiveness of female human primary EC from the aorta (HAoEC) and coronary arteries (HCAEC) to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) activation. EGFR is an important signal integration hub for vascular active substances with physiological and pathophysiological relevance. Our transcriptomic analysis suggested that EGFR activation differentially affects the inflammatory profiles of HAoEC and HCAEC, particularly by inducing a HCAEC-driven leukocyte attraction but a downregulation of adhesion molecule and chemoattractant expression in HAoEC. Experimental assessments of selected inflammation markers were performed to validate these predictions and the results confirmed a dual role of EGFR in these cells: its activation initiated an anti-inflammatory response in HAoEC but a pro-inflammatory one in HCAEC. Our study highlights that, although they are both arterial EC, female HAoEC and HCAEC are distinguishable with regard to the role of EGFR and its involvement in inflammation regulation, what may be relevant for vascular maintenance but also the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany.
| | - Gerald Schwerdt
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Kopf
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
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Gekle M, Dubourg V, Schwerdt G, Benndorf RA, Schreier B. The role of EGFR in vascular AT1R signaling: From cellular mechanisms to systemic relevance. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 217:115837. [PMID: 37777161 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) belongs to the ErbB-family of receptor tyrosine kinases that are of importance in oncology. During the last years, substantial evidence accumulated for a crucial role of EGFR concerning the action of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in blood vessels, resulting form AT1R-induced EGFR transactivation. This transactivation occurs through the release of membrane-anchored EGFR-ligands, cytosolic tyrosine kinases, heterocomplex formation or enhanced ligand expression. AT1R-EGFR crosstalk amplifies the signaling response and enhances the biological effects of angiotensin II. Downstream signaling cascades include ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, PLCγ and STAT. AT1R-induced EGFR activation contributes to vascular remodeling and hypertrophy via e.g. smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration and extracellular matrix production. EGFR transactivation results in increased vessel wall thickness and reduced vascular compliance. AT1R and EGFR signaling pathways are also implicated the induction of vascular inflammation. Again, EGFR transactivation exacerbates the effects, leading to endothelial dysfunction that contributes to vascular inflammation, dysfunction and remodeling. Dysregulation of the AT1R-EGFR axis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases and inhibition or prevention of EGFR signaling can attenuate part of the detrimental impact of enhanced renin-angiotensin-system (RAAS) activity, highlighting the importance of EGFR for the adverse consequences of AT1R activation. In summary, EGFR plays a critical role in vascular AT1R action, enhancing signaling, promoting remodeling, contributing to inflammation, and participating in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Understanding the interplay between AT1R and EGFR will foster the development of effective therapeutic strategies of RAAS-induced disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Virginie Dubourg
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gerald Schwerdt
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ralf A Benndorf
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, D-06112 Halle (Saale), Germany
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Schreier B, Stern C, Rabe S, Mildenberger S, Gekle M. Assessment of the Role of Endothelial and Vascular Smooth Muscle EGFR for Acute Blood Pressure Effects of Angiotensin II and Adrenergic Stimulation in Obese Mice. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2241. [PMID: 37626737 PMCID: PMC10452314 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Obesity is associated with hypertension because of endocrine dysregulation of the adrenergic and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important signaling hub in the cardiovascular system. In this study, we investigate the role of smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and endothelial cell (EC) EGFRs for blood pressure homeostasis and acute vascular reactivity in vivo. (2) Methods: Mice with deletion of the EGFR in the respective cell type received either a high-fat (HFD) or standard-fat diet (SFD) for 18 weeks. Intravascular blood pressure was measured via a Millar catheter in anesthetized animals upon vehicle load, angiotensin II (AII) and phenylephrine (PE) stimulation. (3) Results: We confirmed that deletion of the EGFR in VSMCs leads to reduced blood pressure and a most probably compensatory heart rate increase. EC-EGFR and VSMC-EGFR had only a minor impact on volume-load-induced blood pressure changes in lean as well as in obese wild-type animals. Regarding vasoactive substances, EC-EGFR seems to have no importance for angiotensin II action and counteracting HFD-induced prolonged blood pressure increase upon PE stimulation. VSMC-EGFR supports the blood pressure response to adrenergic and angiotensin II stimulation in lean animals. The responsiveness to AII and alpha-adrenergic stimulation was similar in lean and obese animals despite the known enhanced activity of the RAAS and the sympathetic nervous system under a high-fat diet. (4) Conclusions: We demonstrate that EGFRs in VSMCs and to a lesser extent in ECs modulate short-term vascular reactivity to AII, catecholamines and volume load in lean and obese animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schreier
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Germany
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Sun F, Liu J, Wang Y, Yang H, Song D, Fu H, Feng X. BASP1 promotes high glucose-induced endothelial apoptosis in diabetes via activation of EGFR signaling. J Diabetes Investig 2023; 14:535-547. [PMID: 36756695 PMCID: PMC10034959 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic disease of glucose metabolism. Endothelial dysfunction is an early event in diabetes complicated by cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to reveal the expression of BASP1 and its biological roles in endothelial cell dysfunction in diabetes complicated by cardiovascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS By analyzing the databases related to diabetes complicated with coronary heart disease, BASP1 was screened out as an upregulated gene. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and primary mouse aortic endothelial cells were treated with high glucose to establish cell models of diabetes-related endothelial dysfunction, and the expression changes of BASP1 were verified by RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. BASP1 was silenced or overexpressed by siRNA or overexpression plasmid, and its effects on cell migration, apoptosis, tube formation, inflammatory response, and ROS were detected. The possible signaling pathway of BASP1 was found and the mechanism of BASP1 on promoting the progression of endothelial dysfunction was explored using the EGFR inhibitor, gefitinib. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the expression of BASP1 in patients with diabetes mellitus and concomitant coronary heart disease was increased. High glucose induced the upregulation of BASP1 expression in endothelial cells, and showed a time-dependent relationship. Silencing of BASP1 alleviated the damage of high glucose to endothelial cells. BASP1 regulated EGFR positively. The promoting effect of BASP1 on endothelial cell apoptosis may be achieved by regulating the EGFR pathway. CONCLUSION BASP1 promotes endothelial cell injury induced by high glucose in patients with diabetes, which may be activated by activating the EGFR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengnan Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Junwei Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Qishan Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Yanzheng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Danfeng Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Haiyan Fu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, China
| | - Xingxing Feng
- Kunming Key Laboratory of Children Infection and Immunity, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Children's Major Disease Research, Yunnan Institute of Pediatrics, Kunming Children's Hospital, Kunming, China
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Hydrogen sulfide donor GYY4137 attenuates vascular complications in mesenteric bed of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 933:175265. [PMID: 36108734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been reported to have beneficial effects in different pathological conditions. OBJECTIVES the effects of chronic treatment of diabetic rats with GYY4137 (slow releasing H2S donor) or NaHS (fast releasing H2S donor) on the reactivity of the mesenteric bed to vasoactive agonists and the changes in its downstream effectors, ERK1/2 and p38 MAP Kinase have been investigated. In addition, the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and H2S in all groups were measured. METHODS diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal (ip) injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 55 mg/kg). Sprague Dawley (SD; n = 10-12/group) rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, STZ-induced diabetic rats, GYY4137-treated control, NaHS-treated control, GYY4137-treated diabetic, and NaHS-treated diabetic. After 28 days of treatment, rats were sacrificed and mesenteric beds were isolated for functional or biochemical studies. The vascular reactivity of the perfused mesenteric bed to norepinephrine, carbachol and sodium nitroprusside were determined by measurement of changes in perfusion pressure. Western blotting was performed to measure the protein expression of ERK1/2, p38, eNOS, and H2S biosynthesizing enzymes cystathionine-β-synthase and cystathionine-γ-lyase. NO and H2S levels were measured in all groups in isolated mesenteric tissues or plasma. RESULTS diabetes resulted in a significant increase in vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine (e.g., 129.6 ± 6.77 mmHg in diabetic vs 89.3 ± 8.48 mmHg in control at 10-7 dose), and carbachol-induced vasodilation was significantly reduced in diabetic mesenteric bed (e.g., 68.9 ± 4.8 mmHg in diabetic vs 90.6 ± 2.2 mmHg in control at 10-7 dose). Chronic treatment of the diabetic rats with GYY4137 resulted in a significant improvement in the response to norepinephrine (e.g., 86.66 ± 8.04 mmHg in GYY4137-treated diabetic vs 129.6 ± 6.77 mmHg in untreated diabetic at 10-7 dose) or carbachol (e.g., 84.90 ± 2.48 mmHg in GYY4137-treated diabetic vs 68.9 ± 4.8 mmHg in untreated diabetic at 10-7 dose). The biochemical studies showed a marked reduction of the protein expression of ERK and p38 and a significant upregulation of the expression of eNOS and H2S synthesizing enzymes after chronic treatment with GYY4137. Plasma levels of NO and H2S were significantly elevated after treatment with GYY4137. However, H2S production in the mesenteric bed showed a marginal elevation in diabetic tissues compared to controls. CONCLUSION the results indicate that GYY4137 may be a novel therapeutic tool to prevent diabetes-associated vascular dysfunction.
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9
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Shraim BA, Moursi MO, Benter IF, Habib AM, Akhtar S. The Role of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Family of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases in Mediating Diabetes-Induced Cardiovascular Complications. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:701390. [PMID: 34408653 PMCID: PMC8365470 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.701390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a major debilitating disease whose global incidence is progressively increasing with currently over 463 million adult sufferers and this figure will likely reach over 700 million by the year 2045. It is the complications of diabetes such as cardiovascular, renal, neuronal and ocular dysfunction that lead to increased patient morbidity and mortality. Of these, cardiovascular complications that can result in stroke and cardiomyopathies are 2- to 5-fold more likely in diabetes but the underlying mechanisms involved in their development are not fully understood. Emerging research suggests that members of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR/ErbB/HER) family of tyrosine kinases can have a dual role in that they are beneficially required for normal development and physiological functioning of the cardiovascular system (CVS) as well as in salvage pathways following acute cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury but their chronic dysregulation may also be intricately involved in mediating diabetes-induced cardiovascular pathologies. Here we review the evidence for EGFR/ErbB/HER receptors in mediating these dual roles in the CVS and also discuss their potential interplay with the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System heptapeptide, Angiotensin-(1-7), as well the arachidonic acid metabolite, 20-HETE (20-hydroxy-5, 8, 11, 14-eicosatetraenoic acid). A greater understanding of the multi-faceted roles of EGFR/ErbB/HER family of tyrosine kinases and their interplay with other key modulators of cardiovascular function could facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for treating diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bara A Shraim
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Moaz O Moursi
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ibrahim F Benter
- Faculty of Medicine, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus
| | - Abdella M Habib
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saghir Akhtar
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Unit, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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10
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Endothelial epidermal growth factor receptor is of minor importance for vascular and renal function and obesity-induced dysfunction in mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7269. [PMID: 33790318 PMCID: PMC8012653 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86587-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular EGF receptors (EGFR) influence function and structure of arterial vessels. In genetic mouse models we described the role of vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) EGFR for proper physiological function and structure as well as for pathophysiological alterations by obesity or angiotensin II. As the importance of endothelial (EC) EGFR in vivo is unknown, we analyzed the impact of EC-EGFR knockout in a conditional mouse model on vascular and renal function under control condition as well as in obesity and in comparison to VSMC-KO. Heart and lung weight, blood pressure and aortic transcriptome (determined by RNA-seq) were not affected by EC-EGFR-KO. Aortic reactivity to α1-adrenergic stimulation was not affected by EC-EGFR-KO contrary to VSMC-EGFR-KO. Endothelial-induced relaxation was reduced in abdominal aorta of EC-EGFR-KO animals, whereas it was enhanced in VSMC-EGFR-KO animals. Mesenteric arteries of EC-EGFR-KO animals showed enhanced sensitivity to α1-adrenergic stimulation, whereas endothelial-induced relaxation and vessel morphology were not affected. Renal weight, histomorphology, function (albumin excretion, serum creatinine, fractional water excretion) or transcriptome were not affected by EC-EGFR-KO, likewise in VSMC-EGFR-KO. High fat diet (HFD) over 18 weeks induced arterial wall thickening, renal weight increase, creatininemia, renal and aortic transcriptome alterations with a similar pattern in EC-EGFR-WT and EC-EGFR-KO animals by contrast to the previously reported impact of VSMC-EGFR-KO. HFD induced endothelial dysfunction in abdominal aortae of EC-EGFR-WT, which was not additive to the EC-EGFR-KO-induced endothelial dysfunction. As shown before, VSMC-EGFR-KO prevented HFD-induced endothelial dysfunction. HFD-induced albuminuria was less pronounced in EC-EGFR-KO animals and abrogated in VSMC-EGFR-KO animals. Our results indicate that EC-EGFR, in comparison to VSMC-EGFR, is of minor and opposite importance for basal renovascular function as well as for high fat diet-induced vascular remodeling and renal end organ damage.
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11
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Sheng L, Bayliss G, Zhuang S. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Diabetic Kidney Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:598910. [PMID: 33574751 PMCID: PMC7870700 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.598910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide and the major cause of renal failure among patients on hemodialysis. Numerous studies have demonstrated that transient activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway is required for promoting kidney recovery from acute injury whereas its persistent activation is involved in the progression of various chronic kidney diseases including DKD. EGFR-mediated pathogenesis of DKD is involved in hemodynamic alteration, metabolic disturbance, inflammatory response and parenchymal cellular dysfunction. Therapeutic intervention of this receptor has been available in the oncology setting. Targeting EGFR might also hold a therapeutic potential for DKD. Here we review the functional role of EGFR in the development of DKD, mechanisms involved and the perspective about use of EGFR inhibitors as a treatment for DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Sheng
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - George Bayliss
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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12
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Stern C, Schreier B, Nolze A, Rabe S, Mildenberger S, Gekle M. Knockout of vascular smooth muscle EGF receptor in a mouse model prevents obesity-induced vascular dysfunction and renal damage in vivo. Diabetologia 2020; 63:2218-2234. [PMID: 32548701 PMCID: PMC7476975 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-020-05187-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Obesity causes type 2 diabetes leading to vascular dysfunction and finally renal end-organ damage. Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) EGF receptor (EGFR) modulates vascular wall homeostasis in part via serum response factor (SRF), a major regulator of VSM differentiation and a sensor for glucose. We investigated the role of VSM-EGFR during obesity-induced renovascular dysfunction, as well as EGFR-hyperglycaemia crosstalk. METHODS The role of VSM-EGFR during high-fat diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetes was investigated in a mouse model with inducible, VSM-specific EGFR-knockout (KO). Various structural and functional variables as well as transcriptome changes, in vivo and ex vivo, were assessed. The impact of hyperglycaemia on EGFR-induced signalling and SRF transcriptional activity and the underlying mechanisms were investigated at the cellular level. RESULTS We show that VSM-EGFR mediates obesity/type 2 diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction, remodelling and transcriptome dysregulation preceding renal damage and identify an EGFR-glucose synergism in terms of SRF activation, matrix dysregulation and mitochondrial function. EGFR deletion protects the animals from HFD-induced endothelial dysfunction, creatininaemia and albuminuria. Furthermore, we show that HFD leads to marked changes of the aortic transcriptome in wild-type but not in KO animals, indicative of EGFR-dependent SRF activation, matrix dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, the latter confirmed at the cellular level. Studies at the cellular level revealed that high glucose potentiated EGFR/EGF receptor 2 (ErbB2)-induced stimulation of SRF activity, enhancing the graded signalling responses to EGF, via the EGFR/ErbB2-ROCK-actin-MRTF pathway and promoted mitochondrial dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION VSM-EGFR contributes to HFD-induced vascular and subsequent renal alterations. We propose that a potentiated EGFR/ErbB2-ROCK-MRTF-SRF signalling axis and mitochondrial dysfunction underlie the role of EGFR. This advanced working hypothesis will be investigated in mechanistic depth in future studies. VSM-EGFR may be a therapeutic target in cases of type 2 diabetes-induced renovascular disease. DATA AVAILABILITY The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available in: (1) share_it, the data repository of the academic libraries of Saxony-Anhalt ( https://doi.org/10.25673/32049.2 ); and (2) in the gene expression omnibus database with the study identity GSE144838 ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE144838 ). Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Stern
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Barbara Schreier
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Alexander Nolze
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Sindy Rabe
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Sigrid Mildenberger
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein Institute of Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Strasse 6, 06112, Halle, Germany.
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13
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Habib AM, Nagi K, Thillaiappan NB, Sukumaran V, Akhtar S. Vitamin D and Its Potential Interplay With Pain Signaling Pathways. Front Immunol 2020; 11:820. [PMID: 32547536 PMCID: PMC7270292 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
About 50 million of the U.S. adult population suffer from chronic pain. It is a complex disease in its own right for which currently available analgesics have been deemed woefully inadequate since ~20% of the sufferers derive no benefit. Vitamin D, known for its role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism, is thought to be of clinical benefit in treating chronic pain without the side-effects of currently available analgesics. A strong correlation between hypovitaminosis D and incidence of bone pain is known. However, the potential underlying mechanisms by which vitamin D might exert its analgesic effects are poorly understood. In this review, we discuss pathways involved in pain sensing and processing primarily at the level of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and the potential interplay between vitamin D, its receptor (VDR) and known specific pain signaling pathways including nerve growth factor (NGF), glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and opioid receptors. We also discuss how vitamin D/VDR might influence immune cells and pain sensitization as well as review the increasingly important topic of vitamin D toxicity. Further in vitro and in vivo experimental studies will be required to study these potential interactions specifically in pain models. Such studies could highlight the potential usefulness of vitamin D either alone or in combination with existing analgesics to better treat chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Saghir Akhtar
- College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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14
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Abstract
Importance While it has long been known that polycystic ovarian syndrome is associated with cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs), there is emerging evidence that other benign gynecologic conditions, such as uterine leiomyomas, endometriosis, and even hysterectomy without oophorectomy, can be associated with CMRFs. Understanding the evidence and mechanisms of these associations can lead to novel preventive and therapeutic interventions. Objective This article discusses the evidence and the potential mechanisms mediating the association between CMRFs and benign gynecologic disorders. Evidence Acquisition We reviewed PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases to obtain plausible clinical and biological evidence, including hormonal, immunologic, inflammatory, growth factor-related, genetic, epigenetic, atherogenic, vitamin D-related, and dietary factors. Results Cardiometabolic risk factors appear to contribute to uterine leiomyoma pathogenesis. For example, obesity can modulate leiomyomatous cellular proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition through hyperestrogenic states, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and adipokines. On the other hand, endometriosis has been shown to induce systemic inflammation, thereby increasing cardiometabolic risks, for example, through inducing atherosclerotic changes. Conclusion and Relevance Clinical implications of these associations are 2-fold. First, screening and early modification of CMRFs can be part of a preventive strategy for uterine leiomyomas and hysterectomy. Second, patients diagnosed with uterine leiomyomas or endometriosis can be screened and closely followed for CMRFs and cardiovascular disease.
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15
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Wang ZJ, Chang LL, Wu J, Pan HM, Zhang QY, Wang MJ, Xin XM, Luo SS, Chen JA, Gu XF, Guo W, Zhu YZ. A Novel Rhynchophylline Analog, Y396, Inhibits Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Oxidative Stress in Diabetes Through Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor. Antioxid Redox Signal 2020; 32:743-765. [PMID: 31892280 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2018.7721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Aims: Endothelial dysfunction appears in early diabetes mellitus partially because of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) abnormal activation and downstream oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine whether Y396, a synthesized analog of rhynchophylline, could protect against endothelial dysfunction in diabetes and the underlying molecular mechanism. Results: Y396 could directly target the EGFR and inhibit its phosphorylation induced by high glucose and EGF, downstream translocation to the nucleus of E2F1, and its transcriptional activity and expression of Nox4. Diabetes-induced endothelium malfunction was ameliorated by Y396 treatment through EGFR inhibition. Downstream oxidative stress was decreased by Y396 in the aortas of type 1 diabetes mellitus mice and primary rat aorta endothelial cells (RAECs). Y396 could also ameliorate tunicamycin-induced oxidative stress in the aorta and RAECs. In addition, we again determined the protective effects of Y396 on high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus. Innovation: This is the first study to demonstrate that Y396, a novel rhynchophylline analog, suppressed high-glucose-induced endothelial malfunction both in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting abnormal phosphorylation of EGFR. Our work uncovered EGFR as a novel therapeutic target and Y396 as a potential therapy against diabetes-induced complication. Conclusion: Y396 could directly bind with EGFR, and inhibit its phosphorylation and downstream E2F1 transcriptional activity. It could also preserve tunicamycin-evoked endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. It could protect against diabetes-induced endothelium malfunction in vivo through EGFR inhibition and downstream oxidative stress. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 32, 743-765.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Jun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Ling-Ling Chang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Ming Pan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiu-Yan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Min-Jun Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ming Xin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan-Shan Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-An Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian-Feng Gu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Zhun Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Bioactive Small Molecules, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
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16
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Chan CB, Ahuja P, Ye K. Developing Insulin and BDNF Mimetics for Diabetes Therapy. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2188-2204. [PMID: 31660832 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666191010160643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is a global public health concern nowadays. The majority of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients belong to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is highly associated with obesity. The general principle of current therapeutic strategies for patients with T2DM mainly focuses on restoring cellular insulin response by potentiating the insulin-induced signaling pathway. In late-stage T2DM, impaired insulin production requires the patients to receive insulin replacement therapy for maintaining their glucose homeostasis. T2DM patients also demonstrate a drop of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in their circulation, which suggests that replenishing BDNF or enhancing its downstream signaling pathway may be beneficial. Because of their protein nature, recombinant insulin or BDNF possess several limitations that hinder their clinical application in T2DM treatment. Thus, developing orally active "insulin pill" or "BDNF pill" is essential to provide a more convenient and effective therapy. This article reviews the current development of non-peptidyl chemicals that mimic insulin or BDNF and their potential as anti-diabetic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Bun Chan
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Palak Ahuja
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University of School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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17
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El-Hashim AZ, Khajah MA, Babyson RS, Renno WM, Ezeamuzie CI, Benter IF, Akhtar S. Ang-(1-7)/ MAS1 receptor axis inhibits allergic airway inflammation via blockade of Src-mediated EGFR transactivation in a murine model of asthma. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224163. [PMID: 31675376 PMCID: PMC6824568 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)]/MAS1 receptor signaling axis is a key endogenous anti-inflammatory signaling pathway. However, the mechanisms by which its mediates the anti-inflammatory effects are not completely understood. Using an allergic murine model of asthma, we investigated whether Ang-1(1–7)/MAS1 receptor axis a): inhibits allergic inflammation via modulation of Src-dependent transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and downstream signaling effectors such as ERK1/2, and b): directly inhibits neutrophil and/or eosinophil chemotaxis ex vivo. Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic inflammation resulted in increased phosphorylation of Src kinase, EGFR, and ERK1/2. In addition, OVA challenge increased airway cellular influx, perivascular and peribronchial inflammation, fibrosis, goblet cell hyper/metaplasia and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Treatment with Ang-(1–7) inhibited phosphorylation of Src kinase, EGFR, ERK1/2, the cellular and histopathological changes and AHR. Ang-(1–7) treatment also inhibited neutrophil and eosinophil chemotaxis ex vivo. These changes were reversed following pre-treatment with A779. These data show that the anti-inflammatory actions of Ang-(1–7)/ MAS1 receptor axis are mediated, at least in part, via inhibition of Src-dependent transactivation of EGFR and downstream signaling molecules such as ERK1/2. This study therefore shows that inhibition of the Src/EGRF/ERK1/2 dependent signaling pathway is one of the mechanisms by which the Ang-(1–7)/ MAS1 receptor axis mediates it anti-inflammatory effects in diseases such as asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Z El-Hashim
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Maitham A Khajah
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Rhema S Babyson
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Waleed M Renno
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Charles I Ezeamuzie
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ibrahim F Benter
- Faculty of Medicine, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus
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Zhang W, Yang H, Zhu L, Luo Y, Nie L, Li G. Role of EGFR/ErbB2 and PI 3K/AKT/e-NOS in Lycium barbarum polysaccharides Ameliorating Endothelial Dysfunction Induced by Oxidative Stress. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2019; 47:1523-1539. [PMID: 31645123 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x19500782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) are the major ingredients of wolfberry. In this study, we investigated the role of LBP in endothelial dysfunction induced by oxidative stress and the underlying mechanisms using thoracic aortic endothelial cells of rat (RAECs) as a model. We found that Ang II inhibits cell viability of RAECs with 10-6mol/L of Ang II treatment for 24h most potential (P<0.05), the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is increased by Ang II treatment (P<0.01), and the expression of Occludin and Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) is decreased by Ang II treatment (P<0.05). However, preincubation of cells with LBP could inhibit the changes caused by Ang II, LBP increased cell viability (P<0.05), decreased the level of ROS (P<0.01), and up-regulated the expression of Occludin (P<0.05) and ZO-1. In addition, Ang II treatment increased the expression of EGFR and p-EGFR (Try1172) and which can be inhibited by LBP. On the contrary, expression of ErbB2, p-ErbB2 (Try1248), PI3K, p-e-NOS (Ser1177) (P<0.05), and p-AKT (Ser473) (P<0.05) was inhibited by Ang II treatment and which can be increased by LBP. Treatment of the cells with inhibitors showed that the regulation of p-e-NOS and p-AKT expression by Ang II and LBP can be blocked by PI3K inhibitor wortmannin but not EGFR and ErbB2 inhibitor AC480. Taken together, our results suggested that LBP plays a critical role in maintaining the integrality of blood vessel endothelium through reduced production of ROS via regulating the activity of EGFR, ErbB2, PI3K/AKT/e-NOS, and which may offer a novel therapeutic option in the management of endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Zhang
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Shengli Street 1160, Yinchuan 750004, P. R. China
| | - Huifang Yang
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Shengli Street 1160, Yinchuan 750004, P. R. China
| | - Lingqin Zhu
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Shengli Street 1160, Yinchuan 750004, P. R. China
| | - Yan Luo
- School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Shengli Street 1160, Yinchuan 750004, P. R. China
| | - Lihong Nie
- School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Shengli Street 1160, Yinchuan 750004, P. R. China
| | - Guanghua Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Ningxia Medical University, Shengli Street 1160, Yinchuan 750004, P. R. China.,School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Shengli Street 1160, Yinchuan 750004, P. R. China
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Akhtar S, Chandrasekhar B, Yousif MH, Renno W, Benter IF, El-Hashim AZ. Chronic administration of nano-sized PAMAM dendrimers in vivo inhibits EGFR-ERK1/2-ROCK signaling pathway and attenuates diabetes-induced vascular remodeling and dysfunction. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2019; 18:78-89. [PMID: 30844576 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We investigated whether chronic administration of nano-sized polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers can have beneficial effects on diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction by inhibiting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-ERK1/2-Rho kinase (ROCK)-a pathway known to be critical in the development of diabetic vascular complications. Daily administration of naked PAMAMs for up to 4 weeks to streptozotocin-induced diabetic male Wistar rats inhibited EGFR-ERK1/2-ROCK signaling and improved diabetes-induced vascular remodeling and dysfunction in a dose, generation (G6 > G5) and surface chemistry-dependent manner (cationic > anionic > neutral). PAMAMs, AG1478 (a selective EGFR inhibitor), or anti-EGFR siRNA also inhibited vascular EGFR-ERK1/2-ROCK signaling in vitro. These data showed that naked PAMAM dendrimers have the propensity to modulate key (e.g. EGFR) cell signaling cascades with associated pharmacological consequences in vivo that are dependent on their physicochemical properties. Thus, PAMAMs, alone or in combination with vasculoprotective agents, may have a beneficial role in the potential treatment of diabetes-induced vascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghir Akhtar
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
| | | | - Mariam Hm Yousif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Waleed Renno
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Ibrahim F Benter
- Faculty of Medicine, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus
| | - Ahmed Z El-Hashim
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University.
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20
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Yu X, Stallone JN, Heaps CL, Han G. The activation of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor induces relaxation via cAMP as well as potentiates contraction via EGFR transactivation in porcine coronary arteries. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191418. [PMID: 29360846 PMCID: PMC5779678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen exerts protective effects against cardiovascular diseases in premenopausal women, but is associated with an increased risk of both coronary heart disease and stroke in older postmenopausal women. Studies have shown that activation of the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER) can cause either relaxation or contraction of arteries. It is highly likely that these dual actions of GPER may contribute to the seemingly paradoxical effects of estrogen in regulating coronary artery function. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that activation of GPER enhances agonist-stimulated porcine coronary artery contraction via epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation and its downstream extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) pathway. Isometric tension studies and western blot were performed to determine the effect of GPER activation on coronary artery contraction. Our findings demonstrated that G-1 caused concentration-dependent relaxation of ET-1-induced contraction, while pretreatment of arterial rings with G-1 significantly enhanced ET-1-induced contraction. GPER antagonist, G-36, significantly inhibited both the G-1-induced relaxation effect and G-1-enhanced ET-1 contraction. Gallein, a Gβγ inhibitor, significantly increased G-1-induced relaxation, yet inhibited G-1-enhanced ET-1-mediated contraction. Similarly, inhibition of EGFR with AG1478 or inhibition of Src with phosphatase 2 further increased G-1-induced relaxation responses in coronary arteries, but decreased G-1-enhanced ET-1-induced contraction. Western blot experiments in porcine coronary artery smooth muscle cells (PCASMC) showed that G-1 increased tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR, which was inhibited by AG-1478. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays showed that the level of heparin-binding EGF (HB-EGF) released by ET-1 treatment increased two-fold; whereas pre-incubation with G-1 further increased ET-1-induced HB-EGF release to four-fold over control conditions. Lastly, the role of ERK1/2 was determined by applying the MEK inhibitor, PD98059, in isometric tension studies and detecting phospho-ERK1/2 in immunoblotting. PD98059 potentiated G-1-induced relaxation response, but blocked G-1-enhanced ET-1-induced contraction. By western blot, G-1 treatment decreased phospho-ERK1/2, however, in the presence of the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, SQ22536, G-1 significantly increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation in PCASMC. These data demonstrate that activation of GPER induces relaxation via cAMP as well as contraction via a mechanism involving transactivation of EGFR and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in porcine coronary arteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Yu
- Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - John N. Stallone
- Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
- Women's Health Division, Michael E. DeBakey Institute Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Cristine L. Heaps
- Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
- Women's Health Division, Michael E. DeBakey Institute Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Guichun Han
- Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
- Women's Health Division, Michael E. DeBakey Institute Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Kyohara M, Shirakawa J, Okuyama T, Kimura A, Togashi Y, Tajima K, Hirano H, Terauchi Y. Serum Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Reveals Soluble EGFR To Be a Marker of Insulin Resistance in Male Mice and Humans. Endocrinology 2017; 158:4152-4164. [PMID: 29028997 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To identify circulating factors as candidates involved in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), we conducted two different quantitative proteomic analyses: (1) db/db mouse sera were compared with db/+ mouse sera obtained at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks of age, and (2) db/db mouse sera from animals treated with liraglutide were compared with sera from animals without liraglutide treatment. Twenty proteins were differentially expressed in db/db mouse sera in the first experiment and eight proteins were differentially expressed in db/db mouse sera after liraglutide treatment in the second experiment. Soluble epidermal growth factor receptor (sEGFR) was identified as a common factor, and its protein level was significantly affected in both experiments. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed that the relatively low serum sEGFR levels in db/db mice were restored by liraglutide treatment. The serum sEGFR levels were elevated in diabetic mice with impaired insulin secretion and decreased in high-fat diet-fed mice and ob/ob mice. The serum sEGFR levels increased after the administration of a dual inhibitor of IGF-1/insulin receptor or streptozotocin. In humans with normal glucose tolerance or T2DM, the serum sEGFR levels were correlated with the fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, HbA1c, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides levels. These findings suggest that sEGFR might be a biomarker for evaluating insulin resistance or a therapeutic target of liraglutide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayu Kyohara
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Japan
| | - Jun Shirakawa
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Japan
| | - Tomoko Okuyama
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Japan
| | - Ayuko Kimura
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Japan
| | - Yu Togashi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tajima
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Japan
| | - Hisashi Hirano
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Japan
| | - Yasuo Terauchi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Japan
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El-Hashim AZ, Khajah MA, Renno WM, Babyson RS, Uddin M, Benter IF, Ezeamuzie C, Akhtar S. Src-dependent EGFR transactivation regulates lung inflammation via downstream signaling involving ERK1/2, PI3Kδ/Akt and NFκB induction in a murine asthma model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9919. [PMID: 28855674 PMCID: PMC5577320 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09349-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms underlying asthma pathogenesis are poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated (1) whether Src mediates epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) transactivation; (2) if ERK1/2, PI3Kδ/Akt and NF-κB are signaling effectors downstream of Src/EGFR activation; and (3) if upstream inhibition of Src/EGFR is more effective in downregulating the allergic inflammation than selective inhibition of downstream signaling pathways. Allergic inflammation resulted in increased phosphorylation of EGFR, Akt, ERK1/2 and IκB in the lung tissues from ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged BALB/c mice. Treatment with inhibitors of Src (SU6656) or EGFR (AG1478) reduced EGFR phosphorylation and downstream signaling which resulted in the inhibition of the OVA-induced inflammatory cell influx in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), perivascular and peribronchial inflammation, fibrosis, goblet cell hyper/metaplasia and airway hyper-responsiveness. Treatment with pathway-selective inhibitors for ERK1/2 (PD89059) and PI3Kδ/Akt (IC-87114) respectively, or an inhibitor of NF-κB (BAY11-7085) also reduced the OVA-induced asthmatic phenotype but to a lesser extent compared to Src/EGFR inhibition. Thus, Src via EGFR transactivation and subsequent downstream activation of multiple pathways regulates the allergic airway inflammatory response. Furthermore, a broader upstream inhibition of Src/EGFR offers an attractive therapeutic alternative in the treatment of asthma relative to selectively targeting the individual downstream signaling effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Z El-Hashim
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
| | - Maitham A Khajah
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Waleed M Renno
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Rhema S Babyson
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Mohib Uddin
- Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmunity iMED, AstraZeneca R&D Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Ibrahim F Benter
- Faculty of Medicine, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, Cyprus
| | - Charles Ezeamuzie
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Saghir Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor in responses to myocardial stress and cardioprotection. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2017; 83:97-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 12/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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24
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Akhtar S, Chandrasekhar B, Attur S, Dhaunsi GS, Yousif MHM, Benter IF. Transactivation of ErbB Family of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases Is Inhibited by Angiotensin-(1-7) via Its Mas Receptor. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0141657. [PMID: 26536590 PMCID: PMC4633289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR or ErbB) family members, namely EGFR and ErbB2, appears important in the development of diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction. Angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)] can prevent the development of hyperglycemia-induced vascular complications partly through inhibiting EGFR transactivation. Here, we investigated whether Ang-(1–7) can inhibit transactivation of ErbB2 as well as other ErbB receptors in vivo and in vitro. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were chronically treated with Ang-(1–7) or AG825, a selective ErbB2 inhibitor, for 4 weeks and mechanistic studies performed in the isolated mesenteric vasculature bed as well as in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Ang-(1–7) or AG825 treatment inhibited diabetes-induced phosphorylation of ErbB2 receptor at tyrosine residues Y1221/22, Y1248, Y877, as well as downstream signaling via ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, ROCK, eNOS and IkB-α in the mesenteric vascular bed. In VSMCs cultured in high glucose (25 mM), Ang-(1–7) inhibited src-dependent ErbB2 transactivation that was opposed by the selective Mas receptor antagonist, D-Pro7-Ang-(1–7). Ang-(1–7) via Mas receptor also inhibited both Angiotensin II- and noradrenaline/norephinephrine-induced transactivation of ErbB2 and/or EGFR receptors. Further, hyperglycemia-induced transactivation of ErbB3 and ErbB4 receptors could be attenuated by Ang-(1–7) that could be prevented by D-Pro7-Ang-(1–7) in VSMC. These data suggest that Ang-(1–7) via its Mas receptor acts as a pan-ErbB inhibitor and might represent a novel general mechanism by which Ang-(1–7) exerts its beneficial effects in many disease states including diabetes-induced vascular complications.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensin I/pharmacology
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Cells, Cultured
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/pathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/genetics
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/pathology
- ErbB Receptors/antagonists & inhibitors
- ErbB Receptors/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Glucose/metabolism
- Male
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Peptide Fragments/pharmacology
- Phosphorylation
- Proto-Oncogene Mas
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Transcriptional Activation/drug effects
- Vasodilator Agents/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghir Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
- * E-mail:
| | - Bindu Chandrasekhar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Sreeja Attur
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Gursev S. Dhaunsi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Mariam H. M. Yousif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Ibrahim F. Benter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
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Akhtar S, Al-Zaid B, El-Hashim AZ, Chandrasekhar B, Attur S, Yousif MHM, Benter IF. Cationic Polyamidoamine Dendrimers as Modulators of EGFR Signaling In Vitro and In Vivo. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132215. [PMID: 26167903 PMCID: PMC4500564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cationic polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are branch-like spherical polymers being investigated for a variety of applications in nanomedicine including nucleic acid drug delivery. Emerging evidence suggests they exhibit intrinsic biological and toxicological effects but little is known of their interactions with signal transduction pathways. We previously showed that the activated (fragmented) generation (G) 6 PAMAM dendrimer, Superfect (SF), stimulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase signaling-an important signaling cascade that regulates cell growth, survival and apoptosis- in cultured human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells. Here, we firstly studied the in vitro effects of Polyfect (PF), a non-activated (intact) G6 PAMAM dendrimer, on EGFR tyrosine kinase signaling via extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in cultured HEK 293 cells and then compared the in vivo effects of a single administration (10mg/kg i.p) of PF or SF on EGFR signaling in the kidneys of normal and diabetic male Wistar rats. Polyfect exhibited a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of EGFR, ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK phosphorylation in HEK-293 cells similar to AG1478, a selective EGFR inhibitor. Administration of dendrimers to non-diabetic or diabetic animals for 24h showed that PF inhibited whereas SF stimulated EGFR phosphorylation in the kidneys of both sets of animals. PF-mediated inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation as well as SF or PF-mediated apoptosis in HEK 293 cells could be significantly reversed by co-treatment with antioxidants such as tempol implying that both these effects involved an oxidative stress-dependent mechanism. These results show for the first time that SF and PF PAMAM dendrimers can differentially modulate the important EGFR signal transduction pathway in vivo and may represent a novel class of EGFR modulators. These findings could have important clinical implications for the use of PAMAM dendrimers in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghir Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Jabriya, Kuwait
- * E-mail:
| | - Bashayer Al-Zaid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Ahmed Z. El-Hashim
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Bindu Chandrasekhar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Sreeja Attur
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Mariam H. M. Yousif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Jabriya, Kuwait
| | - Ibrahim F. Benter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Jabriya, Kuwait
- Faculty of Medicine, Eastern Mediterranean University, Famagusta, North Cyprus
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26
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Benter IF, Sarkhou F, Al-Khaldi AT, Chandrasekhar B, Attur S, Dhaunsi GS, Yousif MHM, Akhtar S. The dual targeting of EGFR and ErbB2 with the inhibitor Lapatinib corrects high glucose-induced apoptosis and vascular dysfunction by opposing multiple diabetes-induced signaling changes. J Drug Target 2015; 23:506-18. [DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2015.1057150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Kassan M, Ait-Aissa K, Ali M, Trebak M, Matrougui K. Augmented EGF receptor tyrosine kinase activity impairs vascular function by NADPH oxidase-dependent mechanism in type 2 diabetic mouse. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1853:2404-10. [PMID: 26036345 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We previously determined that augmented EGFR tyrosine kinase (EGFRtk) impairs vascular function in type 2 diabetic mouse (TD2). Here we determined that EGFRtk causes vascular dysfunction through NADPH oxidase activity in TD2. Mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA) from C57/BL6 and db-/db- mice were mounted in a wired myograph and pre-incubated for 1h with either EGFRtk inhibitor (AG1478) or exogenous EGF. The inhibition of EGFRtk did not affect the contractile response to phenylephrine-(PE) and thromboxane-(U46619) or endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) to acetylcholine in MRA from control group. However, in TD2 mice, AG1478 reduced the contractile response to U46619, improved vasodilatation and reduced p22phox-NADPH expression, but had no effect on the contractile response to PE. The incubation of MRA with exogenous EGF potentiated the contractile response to PE in MRA from control and diabetic mice. However, EGF impaired the EDR and potentiated the vasoconstriction to U46619 only in the control group. Interestingly, NADPH oxidase inhibition in the presence of EGF restored the normal contraction to PE and improved the EDR but had no effect on the potentiated contraction to U46619. Vascular function improvement was associated with the rescue of eNOS and Akt and reduction in phosphorylated Rho-kinase, NOX4 mRNA levels, and NADPH oxidase activity. MRA from p47phox-/- mice incubated with EGF potentiated the contraction to U46619 but had no effect to PE or ACh responses. The present study provides evidence that augmented EGFRtk impairs vascular function by NADPH oxidase-dependent mechanism. Therefore, EGFRtk and oxidative stress should be potential targets to treat vascular dysfunction in TD2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Modar Kassan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, Norfolk, VA 23501, USA
| | - Karima Ait-Aissa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, Norfolk, VA 23501, USA
| | - Maha Ali
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, Norfolk, VA 23501, USA; College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, SUNY, Albany, NY 12203, USA
| | - Mohamed Trebak
- Assiut University, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Khalid Matrougui
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, Norfolk, VA 23501, USA.
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Kassan M, Choi SK, Galán M, Trebak M, Belmadani S, Matrougui K. Nuclear factor kappa B inhibition improves conductance artery function in type 2 diabetic mice. Diabetes Metab Res Rev 2015; 31:39-49. [PMID: 24652705 PMCID: PMC4829069 DOI: 10.1002/dmrr.2542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously reported that enhanced nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) activity is responsible for resistance arteries dysfunction in type 2 diabetic mice. METHODS In this study, we aimed to determine whether augmented NFκB activity also impairs conductance artery (thoracic aorta) function in type 2 diabetic mice. We treated type 2 diabetic (db(-) /db(-) ) and control (db(-) /db(+) ) mice with two NFκB inhibitors (dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin, 6 mg/kg, twice a week and IKK-NBD peptide, 500 µg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. RESULTS As expected, the NFκB inhibition did not affect blood glucose level and body weight. Thoracic aorta vascular endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR), determined by the wire myograph, was impaired in diabetic mice compared with control and was significantly improved after NFκB inhibition. Interestingly, thoracic EDR was also rescued in db(-) /db(-p50NFκB-/-) and db(-) /db(-PARP-1-/-) double knockout mice compared with db(-) /db(-) mice. Similarly, the acute in vitro down regulation of NFκB-p65 using p65 shRNA lentiviral particles in arteries from db(-) /db(-) mice also improved thoracic aorta EDR. Western blot analysis showed that the p65NFκB phosphorylation, cleaved PARP-1 and COX-2 expression were increased in thoracic aorta from diabetic mice, which were restored after NFκB inhibition and in db(-) /db(-p-50NFκB-/-) and db(-) /db(-PARP-1-/-) mice. CONCLUSIONS The present results indicate that in male type 2 diabetic mice, the augmented NFκB activity also impairs conductance artery function through PARP-1 and COX-2-dependent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Modar Kassan
- Department of Physiology, Hypertension and Renal Center of Excellence, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans LA-70112
| | - Soo-Kyoung Choi
- Department of Physiology, Hypertension and Renal Center of Excellence, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans LA-70112
| | - Maria Galán
- Department of Physiology, Hypertension and Renal Center of Excellence, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans LA-70112
| | - Mohamed Trebak
- College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering University at Albany 257 Fuller Rd. Albany, NY 12203
| | - Souad Belmadani
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, 700 W Olney Rd, Norfolk, Virginia 23501
- Corresponding Authors: Khalid Matrougui, Ph.D. () & Souad Belmadani, PhD () Department of Physiological Sciences, 700 W Olney Rd, Norfolk, Virginia 23501. Phone: 757-446-5278. Fax: 757-624-2270
| | - Khalid Matrougui
- Department of Physiology, Hypertension and Renal Center of Excellence, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans LA-70112
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia School of Medicine, 700 W Olney Rd, Norfolk, Virginia 23501
- Corresponding Authors: Khalid Matrougui, Ph.D. () & Souad Belmadani, PhD () Department of Physiological Sciences, 700 W Olney Rd, Norfolk, Virginia 23501. Phone: 757-446-5278. Fax: 757-624-2270
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The epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands in cardiovascular disease. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:20597-613. [PMID: 24132149 PMCID: PMC3821633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms141020597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family and its ligands serve as a switchboard for the regulation of multiple cellular processes. While it is clear that EGFR activity is essential for normal cardiac development, its function in the vasculature and its role in cardiovascular disease are only beginning to be elucidated. In the blood vessel, endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells are both a source and a target of EGF-like ligands. Activation of EGFR has been implicated in blood pressure regulation, endothelial dysfunction, neointimal hyperplasia, atherogenesis, and cardiac remodeling. Furthermore, increased circulating EGF-like ligands may mediate accelerated vascular disease associated with chronic inflammation. Although EGFR inhibitors are currently being used clinically for the treatment of cancer, additional studies are necessary to determine whether abrogation of EGFR signaling is a potential strategy for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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Akhtar S, Yousif MHM, Dhaunsi GS, Sarkhouh F, Chandrasekhar B, Attur S, Benter IF. Activation of ErbB2 and Downstream Signalling via Rho Kinases and ERK1/2 Contributes to Diabetes-Induced Vascular Dysfunction. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67813. [PMID: 23826343 PMCID: PMC3694874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus leads to vascular complications but the underlying signalling mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we examined the role of ErbB2 (HER2/Neu), a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase of the ErbB/EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) family, in mediating diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction in an experimental model of type 1 diabetes. Chronic treatment of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (1 mg/kg/alt diem) or acute, ex-vivo (10(-6), 10(-5) M) administration of AG825, a specific inhibitor of ErbB2, significantly corrected the diabetes-induced hyper-reactivity of the perfused mesenteric vascular bed (MVB) to the vasoconstrictor, norephinephrine (NE) and the attenuated responsiveness to the vasodilator, carbachol. Diabetes led to enhanced phosphorylation of ErbB2 at multiple tyrosine (Y) residues (Y1221/1222, Y1248 and Y877) in the MVB that could be attenuated by chronic AG825 treatment. Diabetes- or high glucose-mediated upregulation of ErbB2 phosphorylation was coupled with activation of Rho kinases (ROCKs) and ERK1/2 in MVB and in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) that were attenuated upon treatment with either chronic or acute AG825 or with anti-ErbB2 siRNA. ErbB2 likley heterodimerizes with EGFR, as evidenced by increased co-association in diabetic MVB, and further supported by our finding that ERK1/2 and ROCKs are common downstream effectors since their activation could also be blocked by AG1478. Our results show for the first time that ErbB2 is an upstream effector of ROCKs and ERK1/2 in mediating diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction. Thus, potential strategies aimed at modifying actions of signal transduction pathways involving ErbB2 pathway may prove to be beneficial in treatment of diabetes-induced vascular complications.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/complications
- Diabetic Angiopathies/etiology
- Diabetic Angiopathies/metabolism
- Diabetic Angiopathies/pathology
- MAP Kinase Signaling System
- Male
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Transcriptional Activation
- Vasoconstrictor Agents/pharmacology
- Vasodilator Agents/pharmacology
- rho-Associated Kinases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghir Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Mariam H. M. Yousif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Gursev S. Dhaunsi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Fatma Sarkhouh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Bindu Chandrasekhar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Sreeja Attur
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
| | - Ibrahim F. Benter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait
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Chang CLT, Lin Y, Bartolome AP, Chen YC, Chiu SC, Yang WC. Herbal therapies for type 2 diabetes mellitus: chemistry, biology, and potential application of selected plants and compounds. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2013; 2013:378657. [PMID: 23662132 PMCID: PMC3638592 DOI: 10.1155/2013/378657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus has been recognized since antiquity. It currently affects as many as 285 million people worldwide and results in heavy personal and national economic burdens. Considerable progress has been made in orthodox antidiabetic drugs. However, new remedies are still in great demand because of the limited efficacy and undesirable side effects of current orthodox drugs. Nature is an extraordinary source of antidiabetic medicines. To date, more than 1200 flowering plants have been claimed to have antidiabetic properties. Among them, one-third have been scientifically studied and documented in around 460 publications. In this review, we select and discuss blood glucose-lowering medicinal herbs that have the ability to modulate one or more of the pathways that regulate insulin resistance, β-cell function, GLP-1 homeostasis, and glucose (re)absorption. Emphasis is placed on phytochemistry, anti-diabetic bioactivities, and likely mechanism(s). Recent progress in the understanding of the biological actions, mechanisms, and therapeutic potential of compounds and extracts of plant origin in type 2 diabetes is summarized. This review provides a source of up-to-date information for further basic and clinical research into herbal therapy for type 2 diabetes. Emerging views on therapeutic strategies for type 2 diabetes are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cicero L. T. Chang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Yenshou Lin
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
| | - Arlene P. Bartolome
- Institute of Chemistry, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City 1100, Philippines
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Sinica Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Chen
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Sinica Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Chih Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Immunology, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Center for Neuropsychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chin Yang
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Academia Sinica Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Institute of Pharmacology, Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Institute of Zoology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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Chang CLT, Lin Y, Bartolome AP, Chen YC, Chiu SC, Yang WC. Herbal therapies for type 2 diabetes mellitus: chemistry, biology, and potential application of selected plants and compounds. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 5:22-9. [PMID: 23598921 PMCID: PMC3579016 DOI: 10.4103/0974-8490.105644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus, becoming the third killer of mankind after cancer and cardiovascular diseases, is one of the most challenging diseases facing health care professionals today. That is why; there has been a growing interest in the therapeutic use of natural products for diabetes, especially those derived from plants. Aim: To evaluate the anti-diabetic activity together with the accompanying biological effects of the fractions and the new natural compounds of Hyphaene thebaica (HT) epicarp. Materials and Methods: 500 g of coarsely powdered of (HT) fruits epicarp were extracted by acetone. The acetone crude extract was fractionated with methanol and ethyl acetate leaving a residual water-soluble fraction WF. The anti-diabetic effects of the WF and one of its compounds of the acetone extract of the (HT) epicarp were investigated in this study using 40 adult male rats. Results: Phytochemical investigation of active WF revealed the presence of ten different flavonoids, among which two new natural compounds luteolin 7-O-[6”-O-α-Lrhamnopyranosyl]-β-D-galactopyranoside 3 and chrysoeriol 7-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl(1→2)-α-L-arabinofuranoside 5 were isolated. Supplementation of the WF improved glucose and insulin tolerance and significantly lowered blood glycosylated hemoglobin levels. On the other hand, compound 5 significantly reduced AST and ALT levels of liver, respectively. Likewise, the kidney functions were improved for both WF and compound 5, whereby both urea and creatinine levels in serum were highly significant Conclusion: The results justify the use of WF and compound 5 of the (HT) epicarp as anti-diabetic agent, taking into consideration that the contents of WF were mainly flavonoids
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Affiliation(s)
- Cicero L T Chang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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Akhtar S, Benter IF. The role of epidermal growth factor receptor in diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2013; 3:5-9. [PMID: 23678464 DOI: 10.5681/bi.2013.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of diabetes mellitus is increasing rapidly and set to reach near epidemic proportions with the latest estimates suggesting that by 2030 there will be over 550 million people with this debilitating disease. Cardiovascular complications and dysfunctions are three- to eight-folds more likely in diabetic patients and are major causes of increased mortality. The exact underlying mechanisms for the development of complications of the diabetic heart are poorly understood and may involve multiple signaling pathways that are affected by hyperglycemia. This focused article reviews the recent evidence for a possible dual role of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghir Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait
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Benter IF, Babiker F, Al-Rashdan I, Yousif M, Akhtar S. RU28318, an aldosterone antagonist, in combination with an ACE inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker attenuates cardiac dysfunction in diabetes. J Diabetes Res 2013; 2013:427693. [PMID: 24066305 PMCID: PMC3771425 DOI: 10.1155/2013/427693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS We evaluated the effects of RU28318 (RU), a selective mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist, Captopril (Capt), an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, and Losartan (Los), an angiotensin receptor blocker, alone or in combination with ischemia/reperfusion- (I/R-) induced cardiac dysfunction in hearts obtained from normal and diabetic rats. METHODS Isolated hearts were perfused for 30 min and then subjected to 30 min of global ischemia (I) followed by a period of 30 min of reperfusion (R). Drugs were administered for 30 min either before or after ischemia. Drug regimens tested were RU, Capt, Los, RU + Capt, RU + Los, Capt + Los, and RU + Capt + Los (Triple). Recovery of cardiac hemodynamics was evaluated. RESULTS Recovery of cardiac function was up to 5-fold worse in hearts obtained from diabetic animals compared to controls. Treatment with RU was generally better in preventing or reversing ischemia-induced cardiac dysfunction in normal hearts compared to treatment with Capt or Los alone. In diabetic hearts, RU was generally similarly effective as Capt or Los treatment. CONCLUSIONS RU treatment locally might be considered as an effective therapy or preventative measure in cardiac I/R injury. Importantly, RU was the most effective at improving -dP/dt (a measure of diastolic function) when administered to diabetic hearts after ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim F. Benter
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
| | - Fawzi Babiker
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
- *Fawzi Babiker:
| | - Ibrahim Al-Rashdan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
| | - Mariam Yousif
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
| | - Saghir Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, 13110 Safat, Kuwait
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Akhtar S, Yousif MHM, Dhaunsi GS, Chandrasekhar B, Al-Farsi O, Benter IF. Angiotensin-(1-7) inhibits epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation via a Mas receptor-dependent pathway. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:1390-400. [PMID: 21806601 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01613.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The transactivation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor appears to be an important central transduction mechanism in mediating diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction. Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] via its Mas receptor can prevent the development of hyperglycaemia-induced cardiovascular complications. Here, we investigated whether Ang-(1-7) can inhibit hyperglycaemia-induced EGF receptor transactivation and its classical signalling via ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in vivo and in vitro. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were chronically treated with Ang-(1-7) or AG1478, a selective EGF receptor inhibitor, for 4 weeks and mechanistic studies performed in the isolated mesenteric vasculature bed as well as in primary cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). KEY RESULTS Diabetes significantly enhanced phosphorylation of EGF receptor at tyrosine residues Y992, Y1068, Y1086, Y1148, as well as ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in the mesenteric vasculature bed whereas these changes were significantly attenuated upon Ang-(1-7) or AG1478 treatment. In VSMCs grown in conditions of high glucose (25 mM), an Src-dependent elevation in EGF receptor phosphorylation was observed. Ang-(1-7) inhibited both Ang II- and glucose-induced transactivation of EGF receptor. The inhibition of high glucose-mediated Src-dependant transactivation of EGF receptor by Ang-(1-7) could be prevented by a selective Mas receptor antagonist, D-Pro7-Ang-(1-7). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results show for the first time that Ang-(1-7) inhibits EGF receptor transactivation via a Mas receptor/Src-dependent pathway and might represent a novel general mechanism by which Ang-(1-7) exerts its beneficial effects in many disease states including diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghir Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait.
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Akhtar S, Yousif MHM, Chandrasekhar B, Benter IF. Activation of EGFR/ERBB2 via pathways involving ERK1/2, P38 MAPK, AKT and FOXO enhances recovery of diabetic hearts from ischemia-reperfusion injury. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39066. [PMID: 22720029 PMCID: PMC3374768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study characterized the effects of diabetes and/or ischemia on epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR, and/or erbB2 signaling pathways on cardiac function. Isolated heart perfusion model of global ischemia was used to study the effect of chronic inhibition or acute activation of EGFR/erbB2 signaling on cardiac function in a rat model of type-1 diabetes. Induction of diabetes with streptozotocin impaired recovery of cardiac function (cardiac contractility and hemodynamics) following 40 minutes of global ischemia in isolated hearts. Chronic treatment with AG825 or AG1478, selective inhibitors of erbB2 and EGFR respectively, did not affect hyperglycemia but led to an exacerbation whereas acute administration of the EGFR ligand, epidermal growth factor (EGF), led to an improvement in cardiac recovery in diabetic hearts. Diabetes led to attenuated dimerization and phosphorylation of cardiac erbB2 and EGFR receptors that was associated with reduced signaling via extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase and AKT (protein kinase B). Ischemia was also associated with reduced cardiac signaling via these molecules whereas EGF-treatment opposed diabetes and/or ischemia induced changes in ERK1/2, p38 MAP kinase, and AKT-FOXO signaling. Losartan treatment improved cardiac function in diabetes but also impaired EGFR phosphorylation in diabetic heart. Co-administration of EGF rescued Losartan-mediated reduction in EGFR phosphorylation and significantly improved cardiac recovery more than with either agent alone. EGFR/erbB2 signaling is an important cardiac survival pathway whose activation, particularly in diabetes, ischemia or following treatment with drugs that inhibit this cascade, significantly improves cardiac function. These findings may have clinical relevance particularly in the treatment of diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghir Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait.
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Galán M, Kassan M, Choi SK, Partyka M, Trebak M, Henrion D, Matrougui K. A novel role for epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase and its downstream endoplasmic reticulum stress in cardiac damage and microvascular dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Hypertension 2012; 60:71-80. [PMID: 22665120 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.112.192500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFRtk) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are important factors in cardiovascular complications. Understanding whether enhanced EGFRtk activity and ER stress induction are involved in cardiac damage, and microvascular dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus is an important question that has remained unanswered. Cardiac fibrosis and microvascular function were determined in C57BL/6J mice injected with streptozotocin only or in combination with EGFRtk inhibitor (AG1478), ER stress inhibitor (Tudca), or insulin for 2 weeks. In diabetic mice, we observed an increase in EGFRtk phosphorylation and ER stress marker expression (CHOP, ATF4, ATF6, and phosphorylated-eIF2α) in heart and mesenteric resistance arteries, which were reduced with AG1478, Tudca, and insulin. Cardiac fibrosis, enhanced collagen type I, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 were decreased with AG1478, Tudca, and insulin treatments. The impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation and -independent relaxation responses were also restored after treatments. The inhibition of NO synthesis reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation in control and treated streptozotocin mice, whereas the inhibition of NADPH oxidase improved endothelium-dependent relaxation only in streptozotocin mice. Moreover, in mesenteric resistance arteries, the mRNA levels of Nox2 and Nox4 and the NADPH oxidase activity were augmented in streptozotocin mice and reduced with treatments. This study unveiled novel roles for enhanced EGFRtk phosphorylation and its downstream ER stress in cardiac fibrosis and microvascular endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Galán
- Department of Physiology, Hypertension, and Renal Center of Excellence, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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Expression-based network biology identifies alteration in key regulatory pathways of type 2 diabetes and associated risk/complications. PLoS One 2009; 4:e8100. [PMID: 19997558 PMCID: PMC2785475 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2009] [Accepted: 10/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a multifactorial and genetically heterogeneous disease which leads to impaired glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance. The advanced form of disease causes acute cardiovascular, renal, neurological and microvascular complications. Thus there is a constant need to discover new and efficient treatment against the disease by seeking to uncover various novel alternate signalling mechanisms that can lead to diabetes and its associated complications. The present study allows detection of molecular targets by unravelling their role in altered biological pathways during diabetes and its associated risk factors and complications. We have used an integrated functional networks concept by merging co-expression network and interaction network to detect the transcriptionally altered pathways and regulations involved in the disease. Our analysis reports four novel significant networks which could lead to the development of diabetes and other associated dysfunctions. (a) The first network illustrates the up regulation of TGFBRII facilitating oxidative stress and causing the expression of early transcription genes via MAPK pathway leading to cardiovascular and kidney related complications. (b) The second network demonstrates novel interactions between GAPDH and inflammatory and proliferation candidate genes i.e., SUMO4 and EGFR indicating a new link between obesity and diabetes. (c) The third network portrays unique interactions PTPN1 with EGFR and CAV1 which could lead to an impaired vascular function in diabetic nephropathy condition. (d) Lastly, from our fourth network we have inferred that the interaction of β-catenin with CDH5 and TGFBR1 through Smad molecules could contribute to endothelial dysfunction. A probability of emergence of kidney complication might be suggested in T2D condition. An experimental investigation on this aspect may further provide more decisive observation in drug target identification and better understanding of the pathophysiology of T2D and its complications.
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Benter IF, Benboubetra M, Hollins AJ, Yousif MHM, Canatan H, Akhtar S. Early inhibition of EGFR signaling prevents diabetes-induced up-regulation of multiple gene pathways in the mesenteric vasculature. Vascul Pharmacol 2009; 51:236-45. [PMID: 19577003 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2009.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2008] [Revised: 06/12/2009] [Accepted: 06/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is associated with vascular complications including an impairment of vascular function and alterations in the reactivity of blood vessels to vasoactive hormones. However, the signaling mechanisms leading to vascular dysfunction in diabetes are not fully understood. This microarray-based study was designed to identify differential gene expression between the normal and diabetic mesenteric vasculature and to investigate the effect of inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling on global gene expression in the mesenteric bed of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Transcriptome analysis was performed in triplicate using oligonucleotide microarrays housing 10,000 rat genes on the mesenteric bed of normal, diabetic, and diabetic rats treated with AG1478, a selective inhibitor of EGFR. Four weeks of diabetes led to a profound alteration in gene expression within the mesenteric bed with 1167 of the 3074 annotated genes being up-regulated and 141 genes down-regulated by at least 2-fold. The up-regulated gene ontologies included receptor tyrosine kinases, G-protein coupled receptors and ion channel activity. In particular, significant overexpressions of colipase, phospholipase A2, carboxypeptidases, and receptor tyrosine kinases such as EGFR, erbB2 and fibroblast growth factor receptor were observed in diabetes mesenteric vasculature. A 4-week intraperitoneal treatment of diabetic animals with AG1478 (1.2 mg/kg/alt diem) beginning on the same day as STZ injection prevented up-regulation of the majority (approximately 95%) of the genes associated with STZ diabetes including those apparently "unrelated" to the known EGFR pathway without correction of hyperglycemia. These results suggest that activation of EGFR signaling is a key initiating step that leads to induction of multiple signaling pathways in the development of diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction. Thus, therapeutic targeting of EGFR may represent a novel strategy for the prevention and/or treatment of vascular dysfunction in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim F Benter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait.
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Benter IF, Canatan H, Benboubetra M, Yousif MHM, Akhtar S. Global upregulation of gene expression associated with renal dysfunction in DOCA-salt-induced hypertensive rats occurs via signaling cascades involving epidermal growth factor receptor: a microarray analysis. Vascul Pharmacol 2009; 51:101-9. [PMID: 19410658 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2009.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2008] [Revised: 04/10/2009] [Accepted: 04/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Renal dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension. In an attempt to understand the molecular mechanisms leading to renal dysfunction and in particular that of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and RasGTPase signaling, we analyzed global gene expression changes in the kidneys of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt-induced hypertensive rats with and without treatment with AG1478, a selective inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase, or FPTIII, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor known to inhibit RasGTPase. Microarray-based global gene expression analysis was performed in triplicate for each rat kidney taken from normotensive Wistar rats, DOCA-salt hypertensive (DH) rats, DH rats treated with AG1478, or DH rats treated with FPTIII. From the initial data set of 10,163 gene spots per group, upregulation of 2398 genes and downregulation of only 50 genes by more than 2-fold was observed in hypertensive rat kidneys compared to non-diseased controls. Interestingly, treatment of animals with AG1478 or FPTIII prevented upregulation of more than 97% of genes associated with hypertension in the rat kidney. Analysis of proteinuria, renal artery responsiveness and histopathology studies confirmed that DOCA-salt hypertensive rats had developed kidney damage over the study period and that this kidney dysfunction could be significantly prevented upon AG1478 or FPTIII treatment without normalising blood pressure. Taken together, our data imply that signaling cascades involving EGFR and/or RasGTPase pathways are key contributors to the induction of renal damage in hypertension and these and potentially other downstream effector molecules may serve as novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim F Benter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, PO Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
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Ornskov D, Nexo E, Sorensen BS. Insulin-induced proliferation of bladder cancer cells is mediated through activation of the epidermal growth factor system. FEBS J 2006; 273:5479-89. [PMID: 17116246 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2006.05539.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism behind the growth-promoting effect of insulin is a subject of debate. Employing RT4 bladder cancer cells, we examined the cross-talk between insulin and the epidermal growth factor system. We found that insulin induced a time- and dose-dependent (25-1000 nmol.L(-1) insulin) increase in mRNA expression of three ligands from the epidermal growth factor system. Times for peak increase and fold increase after incubation with 250 nmol.L(-1) insulin were as follows: heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor, 0.5 h, 1.4-fold, P < 0.05; epiregulin, 3 h, 14-fold, P < 0.0001; and amphiregulin, 3 h, 12-fold, P < 0.001. Induction of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor and amphiregulin was verified at the protein level. We demonstrate that incubation of RT4 bladder cancer cells for 24 h with 250 nmol.L(-1) insulin increases proliferation by 43% (P < 0.0001) as compared to untreated cells. At the same time, phosphorylation and thereby activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (HER1) was observed. Both phosphorylation and insulin-induced proliferation were almost completely inhibited by the HER1 inhibitor Iressa (P < 0.0001). This shows that insulin leads to activation of HER1, and that HER1 plays an essential role in mediating the growth-promoting effect of insulin. Iressa inhibited not only the activation of HER1 caused by insulin but also the insulin-induced increase in the three ligands (heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor, epiregulin and amphiregulin). As heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor was induced before epiregulin and amphiregulin upon insulin stimulation, we speculated that the insulin-induced heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor initiated the activation of HER1, and that this in turn led to increased expression of epiregulin and amphiregulin and thereby to continued activation of HER1. Earlier reports have shown that insulin-like growth factor receptor can activate HER1 via its ligand heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor. In accord with this, we found that treatment of RT4 cells with recombinant heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor mimicked the effect of insulin, with induction of mRNA for the three ligands. However, the insulin-induced increase in mRNA expression of amphiregulin and epiregulin could not be prevented by the heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor inhibitor CRM197, demonstrating that heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor is not essential for the insulin-induced increase in the expression of these ligands. In conclusion, we show that insulin-induced growth in RT4 cells requires activated HER1. Furthermore, activation of HER1 is required for the insulin-induced increase in expression of the HER1 ligands heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor, amphiregulin and epiregulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorthe Ornskov
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus Sygehus, University Hospital in Aarhus, Denmark
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Cai W, He JC, Zhu L, Lu C, Vlassara H. Advanced glycation end product (AGE) receptor 1 suppresses cell oxidant stress and activation signaling via EGF receptor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:13801-6. [PMID: 16954185 PMCID: PMC1564251 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0600362103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced glycation end product receptors (AGERs) play distinct functional roles in both the toxicity and disposal of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), substances that are linked to diabetes and aging. Overexpression of AGER1 in murine mesangial cells (MCs) (MC-R1) inhibited AGE-induced MAPK1,2 phosphorylation and NF-kappaB activity and also increased AGE degradation. The mechanism of the inhibitory effects of AGER1, upstream of MAPK, was explored in MCs and HEK293 AGER1-expressing cells. AGE-induced Ras activation was found to be linked to Shc/Grb2 complex formation and Shc phosphorylation in MCs, responses that were markedly reduced in MC-R1 cells. AGE responses also included EGF receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation in MCs or HEK293 cells, but this link was blocked in both MC-R1 and HEK293-R1 cells. Coexpression of AGER1 and EGFR in HEK293 cells decreased AGE-mediated EGFR and p44/p42 phosphorylation but not EGF-induced p44/p42 activation. AGE, S100/calgranulin, or H(2)O(2) promoted MAPK phosphorylation in EGFR(+) cells in a manner that was inhibitable by an EGFR inhibitor, AG1478. Also, in AGER1 cells, AGE-induced H(2)O(2) formation and AGE- or S100-induced p44/p42 phosphorylation were suppressed, and these effects were restored by R1 siRNA. These data confirm that R1 negatively regulates AGE-mediated oxidant stress-dependent signaling via the EGFR and Shc/Grb2/Ras pathway. AGER1 could serve as a model for developing therapeutic targets against vascular and kidney disorders related to diabetes and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Cai
- *Division of Experimental Diabetes and Aging, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics, and
| | - John C. He
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029
| | - Li Zhu
- *Division of Experimental Diabetes and Aging, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics, and
| | - Changyong Lu
- *Division of Experimental Diabetes and Aging, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics, and
| | - Helen Vlassara
- *Division of Experimental Diabetes and Aging, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics, and
- To whom correspondence should be addressed at:
Division of Experimental Diabetes and Aging, Brookdale Department of Geriatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Box 1640, One Gustave Levy Place, New York, NY 10029. E-mail:
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